88R13776 MM-D
 
  By: Lalani H.B. No. 3631
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher
  education provide certain information regarding mental health
  services to entering students.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 51.9194, Education Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 51.9194.  REQUIRED INFORMATION FOR ENTERING STUDENTS
  REGARDING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICES. (a) In
  this section, "institution of higher education" has the meaning
  assigned by Section 61.003.
         (b)  An institution of higher education [A general academic
  teaching institution] shall provide to each entering [full-time]
  undergraduate, graduate, or professional student, including each
  [full-time] undergraduate, graduate, or professional student who
  transfers to the institution, information about:
               (1)  available mental health and suicide prevention
  services offered by the institution or by any associated
  organizations or programs; and
               (2)  early warning signs that are often present in and
  appropriate intervention for a person who may be considering
  suicide.
         (c) [(b)]  The information required under this section:
               (1)  may be provided through:
                     (A)  a live presentation; or
                     (B)  a format that allows for student interaction,
  such as an online program or video; [and]
               (2)  may not be provided in a paper format only; and
               (3)  must include a campus map identifying any location
  at which mental health services are provided to students on campus.
         (d)  If an institution of higher education provides an
  on-campus orientation for entering students, the orientation must
  include a tour of any location described by Subsection (c)(3).
         SECTION 2.  Section 51.9194, Education Code, as amended by
  this Act, applies beginning with entering students at public
  institutions of higher education for the 2023 fall semester.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2023.